Packing a Healthy School Lunch Katie Sharpton

Packing a Healthy School Lunch

By Katie Sharpton Family and Consumer Science/4-H Agent McKinley County Cooperative Extension Service

It is that time of year! Back to school means busy, new schedules and afterschool activities. Providing a healthy lunch will keep your child nourished throughout the school day. Protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy carbohydrates will nourish and provide for the children to help them reach both their

physical and intellectual potential. Eating well-planned meals and snacks each day is one of the best ways to guarantee all the essential nutrients are consumed.

Here are a few tips in creating a lunch routine: pre-fill five bins with delicious, nutritious food options, and then they select one item from each bin to go into their lunch. Dairy, protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and/or a treat bin are the categories to consider. The fruits and vegetables should be in season, washed, chopped, and already portioned for on-the-go. Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts Label for reduced sugar and low sodium items. The kids choose what they want from the categories and options. In addition, not every category needs to have an item chosen, it could be from only three categories. This routine makes lunches easy to prepare and reduces waste. The kids will be excited to have choices, while also ensuring a nutritious lunch. Be creative with the lunches and have fun with new ideas!

Cold lunch options:

• Tortilla pinwheels, carrots, blueberries, banana chips • Chicken slider, salad with ranch, trail mix, banana • PB&J, apple, sugar snap peas, homemade cookie

Hot lunch options (packed in a thermos):

• Soup, rice cake with peanut butter, apple, cheddar cubes • Chicken alfredo, corn muffin, green beans, apple • Mac & Cheese, peas and carrots, cantaloupe